L.C. – Physics
Leaving Certificate Physics – Understanding the Forces That Shape Our World
Applying Scientific Principles and Mathematical Reasoning to Explore the Laws of Nature
Physics describes the laws and forces governing natural phenomena, which include heat, light, electricity and magnetism. Physics uses mathematics and equations to describe and predict events and phenomena. The emphasis in the Leaving Certificate course is on the applications of physical principles in everyday life and the enormous impact physics has on modern society.
The subject is divided into the following topics:
Mechanics and Motion
Heat
Light and Optics
Electricity and Magnetism
Atomic Physics and Electronics
Waves and Sound
Nuclear Particle Physics
Experiments form a major part of the course. Students must maintain a laboratory book for the 24 mandatory experiments, four of which are examined on the Leaving Certificate paper.
Leaving Certificate Physics is a mathematical subject. Higher Level Mathematics is not a requirement for this subject; however, it is of benefit.
Exam Length: 3 Hours
Number of Questions: 12
Questions Answered: 8
Section A – Experiments: 3 questions from 4 (worth 30%)
Section B – Theory: 5 questions from 8 (worth 70%)
